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Sep 1, 2012

Challenge of Travel Blog Hop

When I signed up for this hop I asked Erin of Treasures Found to surprise me with a country in Europe. The country she choose for me was Portugal. Now I have to admit that for some reason I was thinking that this country belonged in South America. Yeah geography is NOT my strong suit.

So time to do some research on this beautiful country. I discovered that it is the westernmost county in Europe with a population of 10.6 million with over half of them living in two major cities, Lisbon and Porto. It is a land that has been populated since the prehistoric times and became a nation in 1139 making it one of the oldest of the European countries. During the middle ages, this country was actually a global empire and one that lasted until 2002 though it was considerably smaller once Brazil became a country in its own right. Interesting information.

Now what I was actually interested in was the jewelry though looking at the pictures of the scenery has put it on my bucket list. It appears that fiber used a lot in their styles. I could work with that. In fact I had plans for two pieces of jewelry.

My main piece was a necklace patterned after one worn by past royalty using pearls and chain with a nice focal. This necklace has given me nothing but issues starting with losing the package that my finding were in. So I finally found the illusive envelope hidden in of all things, a library book. So I finally got a chance to start working on it much later then I had planned. Then I had a missing cat scare. Yeah I was searching for a cat when I should have been working on this. He was finally found and is now grounded. The last straw was my elbow. I have acute tendonitis in my right elbow that they are still deciding whether it needs surgery. So of course it decided to flare up to the point that holding a pair of pliers was very painful. That is when I decided that I wouldn't be able to complete the necklace.

Not all was an epic fail however. Since a lot of the jewelry being made is using a textile of some type, I had decided to also make a bracelet using waxed linen and a stone that I think is cracked agate. I was gifted with the stone during a bead swap. I made it up into a rich wrap bracelet.

So not exactly what I had planned but I am happy with this piece. Kinda blingy in an understated kind of way.

Now be sure to check out everyone else's creations. I am sure that they had MUCH better luck.

Lovely bracelet, with those glistening stones and vintage focal. The Portuguese were great explorers, if I remember my world history, Vasco Da Gama, sailed to India from Europe around the cape of Africa. Hope you fell better soon.

Shaiha, good for you... you did not allow yourself to be dissuaded from your mission! Your components look just like some of the treasures those Portuguese explorers could have brought back from their many travels. So pretty! The nation of Portugal is one of those lesser-known countries of Europe that are not as overrun by tourists. What a chance to see the REAL people and enjoy a unique culture!

Portugal in South America! You had me laughing from the beginning! So sorry you are having such problems with your arm - I hope you are better soon! (also glad you found your cat and he is now grounded!) I love your bracelet!!!! You did a wonderful job, despite your many setbacks! :)

So sorry you had all the obstacles...I sympathize since I had a similar series of mishappenings around this challenge too. Your bracelet is beautiful, so glad you continued on so you could share with us! I hope that elbow gets better soon and if they decide on surgery I wish you a speedy recovery

You sure did have a string of bad luck. I admire that you persevered in spite of all that. Your anecdote about losing the findings amused me. I have had that happen with "the perfect beads I need for this piece" which have disappeared then turned up in the most unlikely place. I do love your wrap bracelet. It captures the essence of opulence of the photo you used to illustrate Portugese historical jewelry and the color palette matches that photo! Well done!

Shaiha, I'm so impressed! You've written such an elegant and thoughtful post, and your jewelry is exquisite!

I thought Portugal was in South America also! LOL.. there must be some reason that we both thought so ... but now I know it's Europe. Ty. I remember also the library book mystery, and like you, I had many obstacles come up for my journey too, such as my doggy having a rare allergic reaction to medication and needing days and trips to the vet and emergency animal hospital ! I had to let my ombre green Viking knit project go(purchased a tutorial too!)and I'm just so glad he is all better! Hope you feel better soon also :)

Please know how gorgeous your bracelet is! Love how the crackle gems and fibers compliment the amazing focal -- I'd wear it with such pride and joy -- stunning! It's regal, rich and I LOVE it. And YOU are an inspiration!

eek that does not sound like a good thing for anyone, let alone someone using their hands the way jewelers need to. But what an incredible recovery in making a bracelet. How perfectly rich and appropriate.

Thank you for joining me on the journey Miss Shaiha! I am sorry that you found this a challenge with all the other things going on. But I am happy that you persevered! I love the bracelet and that button is very pretty. The scenery in Portugal is something I would love to see myself one day. Thank you for being a part of this trip around the world! Enjoy the day. ErinP.S. I hope you get better soon!

I spent a summer in Portugal when I was 12... I loved it! I often think that I spend way more time looking for cats than I do being productive. Would love to see a picture of you wearing the bracelet, hard to see what it really looks like in the picture!

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About Me

Living the dream in the beautiful state of Washington. I am the owner of Shaiha Designs as well as Alchemee Designs, am an avid reader, and run herd on my husband and a variety of cats and dogs. I am very much a tea snob and enjoy sharing my opinion on all types of subjects.